Eric Heiden

Eric Heiden, born on June 14, 1958, in Madison, Wisconsin, is an American former long track speed skater, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes in the sport. Heiden began his professional career at a young age and dominated the sport through the late 1970s and early 1980s, culminating in a record-breaking performance at the 1980 Winter Olympics.

Heiden is known for his incredible speed, stamina, technique, and versatility. He has won numerous individual awards, including five gold medals in a single Olympic Games, and holds multiple records, such as the most victories in World Allround Championships.

Off the track, Heiden also earned recognition for his career in medicine, becoming an orthopedic surgeon after retiring from speed skating. His contributions to sports and medicine have made him a respected figure worldwide.

Junior Career

• Youth and Early Career: Heiden was born and raised in Wisconsin, where he began speed skating at a young age. He quickly rose through the ranks, showing promise in both sprint and long-distance events.

Senior Career

• Early Success: Heiden moved to the senior level in the mid-1970s and immediately started winning national and international titles. His dominance in a variety of distances made him a unique figure in the sport.
• Olympic Glory: Heiden's career peaked at the 1980 Winter Olympics, where he won an unprecedented five gold medals, setting new world and Olympic records in the process.

Post-skating Career

• Medical Career: After retiring from speed skating, Heiden pursued a career in medicine and became an orthopedic surgeon, further cementing his status as a versatile and accomplished individual.

International Achievements

• World Allround Championships: Heiden won the World Allround Championships three times, setting several world records along the way.
• Winter Olympics: At the 1980 Winter Olympics, Heiden won five gold medals and set new world and Olympic records, making him one of the most successful athletes in the history of the Winter Games.

• Event Specialties: Heiden was a versatile skater, excelling in both sprint and long-distance events. His technique and endurance made him a formidable competitor in all races.
• Skills: Known for his incredible speed, stamina, and technique, Heiden is celebrated for his versatility and dominance in the sport of speed skating.

• Family: Heiden is married to Karen Drews, a fellow orthopedic surgeon. They have a daughter named Zoe.
• Medical Career: After retiring from speed skating, Heiden studied medicine and became an orthopedic surgeon, specializing in sports injuries.

• Eric Heiden is celebrated not only for his extraordinary talent and numerous records but also for his versatility, discipline, and impact on the sport of speed skating. His transition to a successful medical career after sports further highlights his dedication and determination.

Most Gold Medals in a Single Winter Olympic Games:

• Five gold medals at the 1980 Winter Olympics

Most Victories in World Allround Championships:

• Three victories

World Records:

• Set several world records in various distances

Books

• Heiden, E., & Jenkins, J. (1980). A Golden Age: The Autobiography of America's Greatest Winter Olympian. New York: Simon and Schuster.
• Thomsen, I. (2006). Greatest Moments in Speed Skating. Minneapolis: ABDO Publishing Company.

Websites

• International Skating Union: Information about Eric Heiden’s career and achievements. Available at: https://www.isu.org
• Olympic.org: Details about Heiden’s Olympic performances. Available at: https://www.olympic.org

Articles

• ESPN: Eric Heiden's career highlights and records. Available at: https://www.espn.com
• The New York Times: Articles about Eric Heiden's career and achievements. Available at: https://www.nytimes.com

Interviews and Documentaries

• The Gold Rush of 1980 (1980): Directed by Bud Greenspan. This documentary provides a detailed look at the 1980 Winter Olympics, featuring interviews with Heiden and other athletes.
• ESPN Interviews: Various interviews and features on Eric Heiden, covering different aspects of his career. Available at: https://www.espn.com